Rutland Public Library
Board of Trustees
September 28, 2015.
The meeting convened at 7:15pm. In attendance:
Kerry Remington, Director
Ted Purcell, Trustee
Chris Waible, Chairperson
Shelley Mitchell, Trustee
Cindy Trahan-Liptak, Trustee
Ruth Rovezzi, Secretary
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The Secretary's Report was reviewed; Cindy Trahan-Liptak moved to accept the minutes, seconded by
Shelley Mitchell, all in favor.
There was no Children's Librarian Report for September submitted.
The Director's Report was reviewed. A significant event this month was a virus in the Director's
computer which revealed that the virus protection software is not in place and that there is no file backup
system. The Director will be addressing this in the coming months. Cindy Trahan-Liptak made a
motion to accept the Director's report, second by Ruth Rovezzi, all in favor.
Construction on the Rutland Cable Advisory Committee studio has started now that the Bay Path
students are back in site. The studio is scheduled for completion in early 2016.
Building maintenance discussion focused on the needed repair to the roof to prevent ice dams. The
architectural details over the entry need to be removed to prevent ice build-up. Kerry will discuss with
the town DPW superintendent and the town manager. There is mildew on the outside of the building
that requires treatment to prevent spread. This will also be discussed with them.
The Library has received shelving for the book room on the first floor and Kerry will work with local
service groups to organize the space. Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts have been involved in the past.
MASSCAT- The Library has seen increased use of thee-books now available. The materials seem to
work best with Apple products, downloads to Kindle and NOOK have been more difficult for patrons but
staff are working to problem-solve.
Events- Kidsfest is scheduled for October 24, 2015 at the Library; the Friends will be holding a bake sale
and membership drive. There will be a Halloween parade and craft projects for children. The book sale
room will be open. The Trustees will recognize the Friends with a Thank-you breakfast before the event
to acknowledge their work on behalf of the library. Their fund raising allows the Library to offer
memberships to local cultural organizations and supplements the operating budget for many necessary
items. The month of October is National Friends of Library's month.
Budget- A recent town Department Heads meeting brought attention to the shortfalls in the town's
operating budget. There is a $100,000 deficiency and each department is required to submit a budget
which reflects a 5% cut. The Trustees discussed various cost saving measures: reducing hours the
Library is open by one day, eliminating the day with the least amount of patron visits; reducing the line
item for new book purchases; and limiting the hours the Library is available for outside group's use to
the hours of operation, to reduce utility expenditures. The Library is currently available to community
members at any time with prior arrangement.
Chris Waible reported that through a grant received by the Boston Public Library, historical documents
can be catalogued at no cost to the local library. Libraries need to file and application to participate.
The Trustees voted unanimously to pursue this opportunity.
Kerry reported that we have established a connection with some teachers about sharing their
curriculum content so that the library can have materials which support student exploration of the
topics. The Library hopes to get advance notice about materials that may be needed to prepare
appropriately. We are able to share event information for the Library with the school if it is sent in a
PDF format to the principals.
Kerry is exploring purchasing laptops to replace our aging desktop computers. Further information to
follow.
Chris will be leading our discussion about long range planning for the Library. Having a long range plan
will position us to apply for grants and other opportunities.
The Trustees reviewed monthly bills.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.
Respectfully submitted,
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